In addition to gathering data from his staff, Popolano collects information from the security group, the executive project management office and an organization responsible for business transformation and offshore development centers. He estimates that he spends about 35% of his time on the road -- mostly to visit AIG offices around the country.

"I constantly get fed data that allows me to steer the organization in the directions that bring us the best opportunity," Popolano says. "But it requires a lot of time, and I have an organization around me that helps drive it as well. It's not done just by myself. Trust me."

The night shift

Vendor briefings with EMC Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. are slated to run until 7:30 or 8 p.m. But Popolano says his day usually ends at 7 p.m. -- assuming there are no phone calls to or from Japan or any of AIG's other international offices.

"It's a hectic schedule," he says, "but I wouldn't have it any other way."